Downhearted

[bibliophile]

I can identify with Kenny's recent post. I like denial too. I posted a few days ago that I was tempted to cancel an appointment to discuss recent events (two in September) that have all the characteristics of angina, and that I needed a "kick in the pants" to convince me to go through with the visit. I got one here from a couple of people and, honestly I was not going to cancel anyway. I had prelim bloodwork Friday and actual appt and other testing, including stress test, is a week from Monday. Then, last night, I had another episode. I had been telling myself that the two back in September were probably just anomalies and that maybe I this was not even happening since I had not had another. Now today I am a bit discouraged and also, I have to admit, a little scared. Also I am thinking, I paid my dues with the MVR and I don't want another issue. I have done so well since my surgery (MVR December 2000) and now this. Do others have angina? Is it related to the surgery or another thing altogether? How does this affect my future. I know the doctor will have facts but I an wondering NOW what anyone can say. Would love encouragement. Another thing...I am being pressured at work to start preparing myself for a more demanding job. The actual timing would be a couple of years from now, but I should start preparing. I really don't even want it that much, and it would entail a lot more stress. I am thinking this is an even worse idea due to my health. But I hate to say no, it is a big honor and more pay. Bleah. I just want to be doing great like I was prior to recent events.

 

[Karlynn]

Sometimes I think I live by the banks of de Nile.

I just got so darned sick and tired over the years of doctors and tests and having to be worried about this, and concerned about that. I can so relate to you wanting to push aside chest pain as a "fluke", an anomily. I've had periods of increase PVC's since ,mid September. I've always had a small amount of PVC's since my MVR, but the increase has given me pause for concern. I waited, telling myself they'll stop. They did. And then they came back, and then they stopped again. And then....
So, even though I had my annual check up in August, I still needed to schedule an echo. I finally got off my hind end and scheduled one, along with an appointment with my Card. to talk about the increase PVC's. It's this Thursday. Ugh!!!!!!! I really do hate doctors, even the nice ones!!!!!!!!!!

Before my MVR 12 years ago, I spent a lot of time in hospitals, having tests done, being put on one anti-arrhythmic drug after another, being tested again. Any time something disturbs me, I automatically think "Oh crap! Not again." Then promptly get a glass of wine and to sit by the banks of that famous river.

But it's usually pain and anxiety I inflict on myself just stewing about it. I'd be better off to just jump on to a problem and getting it taken care of, or looked at rather than denying it.

Did I mention that I hate doctors?

Karlynn

 

[medtronic of borg]

?s

?s

bib,
I think you need to read your oun post!
Med

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome aboard Bibliophile,

As you probably know, or at least suspect, there are MANY possible causes of angina and chest pain. Until you KNOW the cause it is ALWAYS best to get it checked out.

The big concern of course would be Coronary Artery Disease which can be easily diagnosed with an angiogram (NOT a big deal when done by a team that does them day in and day out). If you have moderate blockages, they can fix them right there on the table with an angioplasty (and probably a stent). Again, these are very routine procedures for active Cardiologists and hospitals with good heart care facilities.

Naturally it would be BEST to get it taken care of BEFORE it becomes severe enough to require (you guessed it) BYPASS SURGERY and another chest invasion.

'AL' (Been there, Done that, i.e. ByPass, then AVR)

OR, you may discover it was something else altogether,
like Reflux or raking the leaves...

Get it checked out.

 

[KimC]

Biblio,

I can relate to your frustration with tests, annoying symptoms and the stress they cause.

You'll rest easier if you have it checked out.

Peace,

 

[MelissaM]

Hi bibliophile,

Argh, you are doing that thing where you sit at home and second guess yourself. Well. .. there is only one way to find out what is going on - go to the doctor. You will feel better knowing what is going on, whether it is good or bad.

As for the job promotion, you need to weigh out whether the additional demands of the job are worth the additional pay and prestige. What is the cost to your health? While it may not "make sense" in our society to turn down a promotion, it may make TOTAL sense to turn it down in order to preserve your health and happiness. Pay and prestige isn't much without your health and happiness.

Keep us posted.

Melissa

 

[KimC]

Biblio,

If I may be direct, don't risk the QUALITY or span of your life for a step up in your career. I ignored symptoms of pulmonary disease for a year while flying around the planet to compete for a promotion to VP. Then I got pregnant and had a hell of a time.

I also had what I thought was angina, but after a stress test and cardiac MRI with not evidence of blockages, I was told to see my PCP to investigate possible lung disease.

A year later, I'm taking steps to do everything I can to preserve the quality of my life, for my own and my family's sake. It's a real pain in the *** to see a handful of specialists, but I am determined to be well. I also acknowledge that it's only by the grace of God that I will remain in milder stages of heart and lung disease. There are many things in life that we cannot control.

Funny thing about us heart patients -- we tend to keep going and going until we get a flat and HAVE to be fixed!

I hope you use your professorial wisdom to make the best decision for you and your family.

God bless,

 

[Mara]

This is just a little message for everyone who is getting nervous about their surgeries, meetings with surgeons, etc.

I know that some of you only "recently" found out about valve problems and that you are being evaluated for surgery.

As someone who has known practically her whole life that surgery was in the offing, I want to tell you not to worry so much. Having surgery sure beats the alternative!

While I may have had a long time to get "used to the idea" I also had a long time to think about the fact that I had a bad valve. I was restricted from almost every sport, always told I should never get pregnant, and my mom made me take piano lessons because she was sure I would end up like Beth in "Little Women."
There were many times that I wished I never knew I had a valve problem so that I could have done things that everyone else was doing. You don't know how much I wanted to play on the girls soccer team in high school and couldn't because of this dumb valve thing. There is a difference between being told you can't do something, trying and failing, and never being given the chance to try at all.

So, I can say, for myself, that hearing the news of a bad valve might be a shock, but you also didn't have 29 years of restrictions and yearly cardiology visits, and worries everytime you had a funny feeling in your chest. Not to mention the countless rounds of antibiotics for every sore throat (just in case it went into Strep), no riding rides at Disney or King's Island, and always knowing you were "different" from your friends who could do whatever they wanted to do. The worst part was being looked at by others a a poor little sick girl with a bad heart (I am thankful that my valve problem was not as serious as so many other kids who weren't as lucky). Maybe my parents were worriers, but I don't think that was the case. I think that back in the 70's-80's kids with valve problems were managed much differently than today.

If I knew that I would feel this good, I would have had surgery 20 years ago! But, it's a thin line between needing the surgery and being too sick to get it.

So, although I know that it is a shock to hear the word that you need surgery, albeit in a little different context, there has not been one day in the last 28 months that I have not been extremely glad that I had valve replacement surgery. Life goes on...it has to: even when you hear this news. If you wallow in the "oh s***, why me," stuff you never get to the part where it all turns out okay in the end!

 

[Karlynn]

Mara,
You crack me up. Beth in "Little Women"!

By the looks of your new avatar you've had your hair cut.

Karlynn

 

[KimC]

Mara,

I loved your post. You really put things into perspective! Given your current job, it doesn't sound like you let your heart condition hold you back. And your parents obviously did a great job!

I told my surgeon in Ft. Wayne that I was diagnosed with COPD; he said when the little engine of life is askew, then your whole system can be thrown off. Hmmmm ... I have a great PCP here on the island who is monitoring me. I trust him more than anyone. He'll let me know when it's time for surgery. I'm seeing him again tomorrow.

Biblio, I hope these posts are helping!

Best,

 

[bibliophile]

Thanks so much for all the replies, discussion, support and wisdom. I was really down on Sunday because I had another event that I am pretty sure is angina the night before. Having been doing well for three years post surgery, I have not been very receptive to the idea of new/different symptoms. I prefer the idea that all that is over.

My attitude is much, much better today. Venting here was definitely therapeutic. I cannot think this issue is too very serious, I continue to feel fine otherwise, exercising as usual, etc. I had a good day at work and am back into routene with other things occupying my thoughts, which is always good for me.

Thanks for the job advice too. I do not have to decide about the issue right now, but am leaning toward not wanting the promotion. I am very happy doing what I am doing right now, and feel like I can keep up my present pace for as long as I want before thinking about retirement. I am not that far from retirement age, but my role model is my dad, who goes to work every day at age 91! I want to grow up to be like him.

I see my doctor in two weeks and he is the best--Dr. Patrick Hogan at Texas Heart Institute. I expect to get my questions answered then--wish it was tomorrow! It is worth the wait though to get such good advice as he always offers. Thanks again for all encouragement.

Two questions:
1. Does anyone else out there have angina after surgery/recovery?
2. If so, is it stemming from the same issues as surgery or something else entirely?

 

[khan2]

Don't worry about it needlessly. See your doc and find out what it is. There are many different causes of chest discomfort after open heart surgery.

If your MVR surgery was recent, they almost certainly did a coronary angiogram and if your surgeon didn't perform a coronary bypass surgery with your valve surgery, you probably had normal coronary arteries. Coronary disease usually develops over many years, so a recent normal angiogram would make it unlikely you'd have significant coronary disease within, say 5-10 years.